Institute for Justice

Braids in the Bluegrass State

Share

Article | Institute for Justice

African-style, natural hair braiders, teaming up with IJ, scored a major victory in Kentucky in 2016 when the Commonwealth passed a law that exempts braiders from needing to get a government-issued license to braid hair. Previously, braiders were forced to take 1,800 hours of unnecessary cosmetology training and spend six months as an apprentice before they could work legally.

IJ traveled to Louisville to meet with braiders and organize them into an effective voice for braiding freedom: The Kentucky Hair Braiders Association. The women we met are passionate about their craft, entrepreneurship and freedom. They are first-generation immigrants from West Africa; most came here within the past 15 years. When we asked them why they came to the U.S., every answer was the same: “I was in search of a better life.”

We teamed up with Americans for Prosperity and found strong champions for our bill on both sides of the political aisle. We rallied a dozen braiders at the hearings before the House and Senate Licensing Committees in Frankfort. One state senator remarked that a braider’s testimony was the most beautiful story he had heard during his years in office. The Senate committee, House committee and full Senate all passed our bill unanimously.

Then Rep. Hubert Collins—whose wife chaired the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists—introduced a last-minute floor amendment that would still have made it impossible for braiders to work legally.

But in the face of overwhelming support for our cause, Rep. Collins did not even bring his amendment up for a vote—he simply voted no. Our bill passed the House 86–8 and was signed into law by the governor.

The braiders are overjoyed that they can now work legally, and Kentucky became the 18th state to deregulate hair braiding. We look forward to watching the braiders grow their businesses as they enjoy the opportunity that freedom provides. And IJ will continue to untangle braiding regulations until braiders in every state can enjoy the right to earn an honest living.